Resident Evil 2 (Remake)

If you want more: Third-person survival horror
Notable differences: Way more varied enemy types, campier narrative themes
Availability: Windows (Steam Deck OK), Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Luna

The 2019 Resident Evil 2 remake was an instant favorite for fans of the long-running series. Though many, such as myself, miss the days of fixed camera perspectives and tanky controls, it’s hard not to have a good time in Resident Evil 2’s remade third-person shooter identity. As a survival horror game, it’s got a ton in common with The Last of Us, though the setting seems less concerned with being as grounded as TLoU’s less-fantastical and less conspiracy-themed infected.

There are two ways to play Resident Evil 2: either as Leon or Claire. A good chunk of their separate adventures are very similar, but they’re distinct enough that you can enjoy two complete playthroughs of this. And Claire’s chapter, specifically with her role in protecting Sherry, a young girl with a complicated connection to the Umbrella Corporation, might remind you a bit of Joel and Ellie’s journey.

Resident Evil 2 features a number of series-signature puzzles of the kind TLoU doesn’t really have. You’ll be looking for card-themed keys, manipulating statues that are secretly guardians of key items, and the hide-and-seek puzzle that is the stompy Mr. X, who upon arrival will pursue you ambiently in the environment similar to the xenomorph in Alien: Isolation (which also isn’t a bad game to consider playing after TLoU).

As a third-person survival horror game, Resident Evil 2 is a great way to keep things spooky after spending time with Joel and Ellie.